Reading boss Steve Coppell claims that Aston Villa were the only side to make an offer for Nicky Shorey despite West Ham's interest.It was thought that Curbishley had made a £4million offer for the England international, but apparently it was just £3million - the fee Villa have just paid for him.
However, Coppell told the Evening Post: "Letting him go for the money we did has nothing to do with him having just one year on his contract.
"He didn't want to be here and we have to consider that every player has a realistic market value.
"Nicky has been consistent in his thought process for 15 months that he wanted to leave.
"This time last year he had just won two England caps, against Brazil and Germany, and I am amazed that no one came in for him before that.
"West Ham offered £3million. That was very inadequate if you consider that Nicky was then first-choice for the England left-back spot and Leighton Baines had just gone from Wigan to Everton for £6.5m."
